VANCOUVER,
Canada (Shai Awards) - British Columbia singer/songwriter Carolyn
Arends has several trophies to add to her mantle after winning big at
this year's 4th Annual Shai Awards, formally the Vibe Awards. Arends
who also went into the evening with the most nominations, won in four
of the seven categories she was vying for.
Arends album "Under
the Gaze" was named Folk album of the year. She also won for
Inspirational Album of the year, and seasonal album of the year for
"Christmas an Irrational Season". She also won a high honour as fans
voted her as female soloist artist of the Year.
The province of
British Columbia saw many of its Christian artists walk away with
trophies as Brian Doerksen who is known for such worship tunes as
"Refiner's Fire", was named male soloist of the year and worship album
of the year for "
Today". And after recently walking away with a Juno
award, singer/song writer Greg Sczebel received three Shai awards
including best contemporary/pop album of the year for "Here to stay",
urban/soul album of the year and song of the year for "In the Pocket".
This year's award ceremonies were held once again in Ontario at the
city of Mississauga's Hershey Centre. The people's choice awards for
Canadian gospel music saw more than 10,000 fans vote for their
favourite artists either online or through their local Christian
retailer.
Vibe Gospel
Music was pleased to introduce for the
first time the Aboriginal Category. Several artists were nominated for
this award including She?zza from Manitoba who won for Aboriginal Album
of the year.
VGM, a volunteer organization founded in 1998 by
Dionne Smith, was formed for Canadian gospel artist's who needed a
platform to showcase their talent and attain a position of credibility
in the Canadian Contemporary/Gospel and world music arena. Dionne's
vision and passion for Canadian gospel musicians and the belief in the
ability to move people through the power of music has compelled her to
transport this forum to all of Canada.
Since it's inception in
Calgary 2002, the show has transformed from a music showcase to a
full-fledged awards show open to all gospel artists throughout Canada,
encompassing the various genres of music.
2005 Shai Award Winners
Aboriginal Album of the Year
Shezza - Shezza
Children's Album of the Year
Living Stones - God Rocks
Choral Album of the Year
James Cole and the Nova Scotia Praise & Worship Mass Choir
Contemporary/Pop Album of the Year
Here to Stay - Greg Sczebel
Country/Bluegrass Album of the Year
I Knew - Philip Grimes
Folk Album of the Year
Under The Gaze, Carolyn Arends
Francophone Album of the Year
Nouveau Depart - Olivier Cheuwa
Hard
Music Album of the Year
Black Talon,
Black Talon
Inspirational Album of the Year
Under The Gaze, Carolyn Arends
Instrumental Album of the Year
Christmas Jazz, North Park Worship Big Band
Jazz/Blues Album of the Year
Christmas Jazz, North Park Worship Big Band
Rap/Hip-Hop/Dance Album of the Year
Black Talon,
Black Talon
Rock/Alternative Album of the Year
Hawk Nelson, Letters to the President
Seasonal Album of the Year
Christmas an Irrational Season, Carolyn Arends
Southern Gospel/Traditional Album of the Year
The - Livin' By Faith, Master's Four
Urban/Soul Album of the Year
Here to Stay, Greg Sczebel
Worship Album of the Year
Today, Brian Doerksen
Song of the Year
In the Pocket - Greg Sczebel
New Artist of the Year
Amanda Falk
sponsored by World Vision
Male Soloist of the Year
Brian Doerksen
Female Soloist Artist of the Year
Carolyn Arends
Group of the Year
Thousand Foot Krutch
Artist of the Year
Starfield
